Two vie for highway superintendent post in Hamlin

Republican endorsement for Hamlin's highway superintendent job is being sought by the present superintendent, Thomas Ingraham, and his employee, Scott Witte.

Thomas Ingraham, who received the endorsement of the Republican party, has worked for the town for the past 32 years in the highway department, 15 years as deputy superintendent and four years as superintendent. During his tenure he has applied for, and received, $165,000 in Community Development grants for town projects.

"I decided to run again this year because I enjoy serving the people of the community," he said.

Rising fuel costs and revenue are two of the issues facing the department, he said.

"High fuel costs concern everyone but particularly those of us who are in the business of maintaining highways," he said. "If costs continue or increase, it could affect the quality of services the community expects to receive."

On the revenue side, Ingraham said the town has always depended on receiving a certain amount of highway work from Monroe County to keep the taxes down.

"With the county budget being strained and more towns doing county highway work than before, it's getting more difficult to bring in the amount of revenue we did in other years," he said. "We need to look at other revenue streams."

A lifetime resident of the town, he and his wife, Julia, have two grown children.

"I have the experience and knowledge in the job and enjoy making the town the best it can be while keeping costs down," he said.

Scott Witte said he heard rumors that the highway superintendent was going to retire so he decided to toss his hat into the ring and seek the top highway department position.

"I wanted to get my name out there and let people know I am serious about the town and about the job," he said.

A 20-year highway department employee, Witte has also spent 20 years in fire services as a volunteer, 18 years of that as a line officer. He also served as the fire chief in Hamlin from 2001-03.

"I have leadership skills and experience that I would bring to the highway superintendent job," he said.

Witte said the department, like other entities, is always faced with the challenge of doing more with less while continuing to offer residents the services they have come to expect.

A 29-year resident of the town, Witte said in his spare time he assists his "better half" in the running of their restaurant, North of the Border.

"Because of my hands-on experience in the highway department and my experience with budgets for the fire district, I know I can help the highway department and I would also bring some fresh ideas to the town and have ideas on ways to offer taxpayers better services."

The highway superintendent position pays about $60,000 a year. The primary is on Tuesday, September 13.